July in Calgary means one thing: the Calgary Stampede. It’s time to dig out your hat and plan your party. Although the rodeo, parade and midway are what Stampede is famous for, it’s also one of Canada’s largest music festivals.
This post was updated June, 2024
This year a few of the usual concert venues and events have changed. To help navigate who’s where and when, here are the top 10 places and top 50 acts to catch live in 2024.
Concerts at Stampede Park
We’ll begin in Stampede Park, where music is everywhere. It could come to you at any time in the form of a marching band. To see bands standing still, here are the four venues on the grounds and what to expect at each.
Nashville North
This adult-only venue is where you’ll hear all of your favourite country songs all day and night. It’s free to get in, but you usually have to pay with your time as the queue can be long. Fortunately, the line moves quickly.
Pro Tip:Make sure you get in line before the Grandstand Show lets out.
Who to see
- The Washboard Union (July 4)
- Brothers Osborne (July 7)
- Ashley McBryde (July 8)
- James Barker Band (July 11)
Coca-Cola Stage
The Coca-Cola Stage is now a much bigger and more practical space than it used to be – and it has to be to host the names they’re bringing. If you can relate to younger crowds, catch the following acts.
Who to see
- G-Eazy (July 4)
- Logic (July 6)
- Billy Talent (July 7)
- The Beaches (July 9)
- Metric (July 10)
- Dillon Francis (July 13)
Big Four Roadhouse
Some really good shows are coming to this roomy spot, including a great final day lineup. It’s free with admission to the grounds, or you can buy a rush pass to skip the line. This is a good 18+ licensed spot where you can cool off indoors, grab some refreshments and watch:
Who to see
- Melanie C (July 5)
- The Dead South (July 7)
- Down with Webster (July 9)
- NE-YO (July 10)
- BBNO$ (July 11)
- Soul Asylum (July 12)
- CeeLo Green (July 13)
- Melissa Ethridge and Jewel (July 14)
Scotiabank Saddledome
This is Calgary’s most iconic building – for now. Enjoy it while you can as it will soon go the way of the Calgary Coral, which quietly disappeared under the shiny new BMO Centre after serving its last days as a Superdog run.
This is the only venue in Stampede Park that is not free as these are the big concerts, but you get into the grounds with your rather expensive ticket. I’d get them soon for:
- Motley Crue (July 11)
- Miranda Lambert (July 12)
- Jonas Brothers (July 13)
- Nickelback with The Glorious Sons (July 14)
Stampede Concerts at the Tents
Beyond the Stampede gates, huge white tents appear throughout the city. Here are some that you and a few thousand of your closest friends can hang out in.
Cowboys
Just outside Stampede Park, the long history of this infamous tent continues. Evolving from its origins as a quiet bar called Dusty’s that only came to life during Stampede, Cowboys runs a massive tent that hosts some of the biggest names in music from today and yesterday.
Who to see
- Tate Mcrae (July 5)
- Metro Boomin (July 7)
- Tyler Hubbard (July 11)
- Steve Aoki (July 11)
Wildhorse Saloon
This downtown tent has been a feature of Stampede for years, and again has a strong lineup. The Wildhorse Saloon is situated smack downtown, so it’s a bit away from Stampede Park, but is only a few stops on the C-Train.
Who to see
- Sam Roberts Band, July 4
- Corb Lund, July 8
- Gord Bamford, July 9
- Future Islands, July 10
- High Valley, July 11
- Chad Brownlee, July 13
This is also the new venue for an old party called the Oxford Stomp, featuring Alan Doyle, Sam Roberts Band and The Strumbellas on July 14.
Back Alley
Last year, the Back Alley bar added a tent with some fun bands. It’s the furthest from the rest of the action but is just down Macleod Trail. Head here on July 6th to see the Barenaked Ladies.
Badlands Music Festival
While EDM in a parking lot isn’t everyone’s thing, there are some big names coming to their big tent along 9th Ave like:
Who to see
- Swedish House Mafia (July 7)
- Tyga and Quavo (July 11)
- Loud Luxury (July 13)
Oxford Stomp
This annual event explored different homes over the last few years, cramming into the Wildhorse last year. This year, they’re going back outdoors and going big to Prince’s Island Park. We haven’t had a Stampede party out there in recent memory, but it hosts big events like the Folk Music Festival in late July, so it’s a good place to watch this three for one concert.
- George Thorogood & the Destroyers (July 12)
- Tom Cochrane (July 12)
- Serena Ryder (July 12)
Roundup Music Fest
Again the winner of the big events this year is Prince’s Island Park, and you can even buy one ticket for both Roundup and the Stomp. Taking place on Wednesday, July 10, you can relive the 90’s with:
- Goo Goo Dolls (July 10)
- Gin Blossoms (July 10)
- Crash Test Dummies (July 10)
Burwood Music Festival
We’re thrilled to include a new event at a classic Calgary location – by the old Currie Barracks a short drive away (note: this not walking distance from the other venues). We’re looking forward to their first rodeo featuring:
- DJ’s From Mars (July 4)
- Gary Levox (July 5)
- Buckcherry (July 7)
Live Music at Calgary Bars
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, a few local bars up their live music game every Stampede. Here’s a mix of old and new spots that let you get closer to the stage without fighting crowds.
King Eddy
A couple of blocks from Stampede Park, this longtime blues venue has been rebuilt (literally brick by brick) as part of the Studio Bell / National Music Centre. Check out daily performances in a old school setting – and from their rooftop patio.
National Saloon
National on 10th (Ave) expands their rather large inside bar with a separate outdoor tent.
Who To See In 2024
- DJ Pauly D, July 4
- 54-40, July 5
- Cole Bradley, July 6
- The Sheepdogs, July 11
- Bryce Vine, July 13
Whiskey Rose Saloon
This isn’t their first rodeo (that was last year), and they’re back with both an outdoor tent and their more intimate 2nd floor bandstand. This is the most country place on the famous 17th Ave Red Mile.
Warning:
It’s difficult to see all these acts so hard decisions will have to be made. Also, pace yourself. We heard a visitor once say, “Other cities have parties this big, but nobody does it for 10 days straight.” Yahoo!
Did we miss anything? Do you have a favourite concert venue for the Calgary Stampede? Let us know in the comment section below.
Post by Dan Pigat
